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Naseem Alatrash (right) is the featured performer for this weekend’s PVD Cello Fest. His music is inspired by traditional Arabic music, jazz and contemporary classical music. He’ll play with percussionist Tareq Rantisi.

Article

Weekend 401

Cellos, comedy, and cosmic twang | Weekend 401

PVD Cello Fest highlights the versatility of the low-voiced stringed instrument and features a Boston-area performer who plays a blend of Arabic and contemporary classical

May 7, 2026

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James Baumgartner

Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi speaks to Ocean State Media's Ian Donnis on Oct. 7, 2025.

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Politics + Justice

Shekarchi eyes Supreme Court seat, clearing the way for Blazejewski as House speaker

The House speaker is expected to apply for a vacancy on the state’s highest court — but Common Cause says he may be blocked by Rhode Island’s revolving door law

May 6, 2026

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Ian Donnis

Stephanie Savell is the director of the Costs of War project at Brown University.

Article

One on One with Ian Donnis

Brown University researcher: True cost of Iran war far exceeds Pentagon’s $25 billion claim

Stephanie Savell, director of the Costs of War project at Brown University, says much of the United States’ massive defense budget could be better spent on education, health care and green energy

May 6, 2026

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Ian Donnis

Providence City Councilor Ana Vargas is one of 6 councilors to vote against a rent control ordinance.

Article

Politics + Justice

Before voting against rent control, Providence councilor raised thousands from landlords

Providence City Councilor Ana Vargas supported rent control during her election campaign. As she prepared to vote on it, she received the largest political donations of her career

May 6, 2026

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Ben Berke

FILE: The entrance of Newport Hospital is shown in 2021.

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Health

Brown Health wants state aid for Newport Hospital birthing center. Lawmakers want answers first

Prescription for preserving landmark labor and delivery unit comes with a $4.9M price tag

May 6, 2026

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Nancy Lavin

The federal courthouse in Providence, R.I.

Article

Politics + Justice

Top lawyer in Rhode Island U.S. Attorney’s Office faces misconduct investigation

U.S. District Court judge Melissa DuBose accused lawyer Kevin Bolan of hiding the criminal record of an undocumented immigrant

May 5, 2026

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David Wright

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT executive director Paige Parks speaks at the unveiling of the organization’s 2023 Factbook.

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Health

Over 15% of Rhode Island kids live in poverty — and advocates say housing costs are making it worse

A new Rhode Island KIDS COUNT report warns that rising child poverty is straining families across the state — and the effects on children’s mental health and education could be long-lasting

May 5, 2026

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Luis Hernandez

Katelyn Medeiros, the Rhode Island Child Advocate in May 2024.

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Health

Office of Child Advocate fights to block DOJ subpoena for trans youth private medical records

Texas court granted feds’ request demanding records of Rhode Island minors with gender dysphoria on same day

May 5, 2026

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Alexander Castro

Article

Climate + Environment

How is art bringing attention to air quality?

With colorful windsocks and a gazebo, Providence artist Eli Nixon developed an art installation to bring attention to the air quality around the Port of Providence

May 5, 2026

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Isha Thakkar

Shepherd Izzy Hoffman of Foster and her Navajo Churro lamb, Cadbury

Article

Climate + Environment

11-year-old Rhode Island girl helps save rare Navajo-Churro sheep breed

At her family’s farm in Foster, Izzy Hoffman is raising endangered lambs and preserving a centuries-old Indigenous farming tradition

May 5, 2026

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Pamela Watts